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Peter Gleeson, a 4th Year Business School Student studying a Bachelor of Economics, presented at , an event which celebrated ��the transformative power of philanthropy at �ʹڲ�Ʊ.

The event showcased projects funded by philanthropy and demonstrated�� how ��philanthropy has played an important role in fostering innovation, improving lives, and propelling research. The event was attended by ��200 donors and partners who have helped support �ʹڲ�Ʊ’s philanthropy initiatives.

In his powerful speech, Peter shared his inspiring personal story and his insights into the benefits of a diverse and inclusive student population.

Living in South-West Sydney, Peter’s future opened up when he attended the Gateway Winter School program and met Gateway Student Ambassadors who encouraged him that �ʹڲ�Ʊ was accessible to him through the Gateway Admission Pathway.

�ʹڲ�Ʊ Chancellor David Gonski also spoke at 360 Impact about education being a powerful tool for change.

“The opportunity to change my life for the better is absolutely what I have taken from my experience at �ʹڲ�Ʊ and I am particularly thankful to the Gateway Program, without which I wouldn’t be where I am today,” said Peter.

The �ʹڲ�Ʊ Business School EDI team has republished with permission Peter’s Student Ambassador Keynote speech.

My pathway to achieving my dream of studying Economics at �ʹڲ�Ʊ

Growing up in Campbelltown, attending �ʹڲ�Ʊ felt like an impossible dream, especially after my parents divorced and finances became tight. In Year 12, life took a turn for the worse when my mother was in a serious accident, and my father spent 10 weeks in a coma (both are fine now). These challenges derailed my HSC preparation, and I feared my dream of studying Economics at �ʹڲ�Ʊ was slipping away.

But then I discovered �ʹڲ�Ʊ’s Gateway Program, which supports students experiencing disadvantage. It wasn’t just about gaining admission; it was about joining a community that believed in me. The academic support and encouragement I received helped me regain my confidence and make �ʹڲ�Ʊ not just a possibility but a reality.

One of my favourite experiences at �ʹڲ�Ʊ has been serving as a , where I’ve had the privilege of guiding first-year students and witnessing the connections they form, especially students from diverse backgrounds like mine. These experiences have deepened my belief in the power of education to transform lives.

Now, as a Gateway Student Ambassador, I visit schools across Greater Sydney to inspire other students to believe that their dreams are within reach. I’ve seen how the Gateway Program helps students write the stories they once thought were impossible—stories of resilience and success that might have remained unwritten without this support.

I’m now in my final year of an Economics degree and have founded the to support others facing disadvantage, starting with a library in my mum's village in Uganda. My passion for social justice drives me to pursue a career in policy, where I can shape decisions that impact how our society is presented, especially as someone from Western Sydney.

We need people in business and government who believe in making change—people from diverse backgrounds who bring unique perspectives to the table. As more students like me graduate from �ʹڲ�Ʊ and step into influential roles, I’m confident we’ll see exciting changes across Australia’s business and policy landscapes.

Supporting access programs and scholarships at �ʹڲ�Ʊ is an investment in Australia’s future. It fosters a diverse community where every student has the chance to succeed and make a meaningful impact on the world. Your generosity helps ensure that countless unwritten stories—stories of struggle, resilience, and triumph—are not just told but celebrated.

Thank you for believing in us and for supporting the potential in every student, regardless of their background. Your faith in us allows us to reach our full potential and ensures that our stories, once unwritten, are now celebrated.

Building a more diverse and equitable cohort

Along with his work as a Start@�ʹڲ�Ʊ Mentor, as an ambassador to the �ʹڲ�Ʊ Gateway program. He is working with high school students from year 9 onwards, helping them uncover their future path, and where it could take them.

This starts by working with students to identify their personal values and skills, and as they make their way toward year 12, uncovering if there is a �ʹڲ�Ʊ degree and career path that aligns with their passions.

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At �ʹڲ�Ʊ, every gift makes an impact

The continuous generosity of our donors��helps��ensure exceptional learning experiences, particularly for students in need and��enables��critical research that has��the power to make a��global��difference.��.��